My head is still buzzing with big ideas and small details from Alt Summit. (like the vintage light bulbs above that were part of the Friday Night Mini-Party decorations). I’ve actually made a little list so I can remember my favorite parts.

But before I get to the list, I want to share a quote from the Huff Post write up about the conference: “Whether you are a newbie or an old pro, the environment is supportive and encouraging; more about camaraderie and esprit de corps then competition (the message is clear: this new lifestyle community is no place for mean girls).”

That sums it up for me so well! If you attended, I hope you feel the same way.

Some of my favorite things about the Alt Summit 2012:

– It was wonderful to work with my family. Each year, my brothers and sisters and inlaws come together to put on the conference. They help out in a dozen different ways — running microphones, transporting gift boxes, driving attendees to the airport. I feel like my family especially shines when we’re working hard on a project.

– Meeting Anya, Project Runway Winner. Friends. She is gorgeous! And she couldn’t be more gracious — she even signed a photograph for my kids. I brought a suitcase full of Reeses and Sour Patch Kids back to France, but the kids were by far the most excited about Anya’s photo. Thank you for bringing Anya, HP!

– Getting to spend time with keynote speaker, Gretchen Rubin. I was really struck when she was talking about work life balance and said she had stopped trying to achieve it. Instead, she tries to think like this: “If I cram my life full of the things I love, there is no room for the things I don’t love.” Put that on a poster and I will buy it.

– We had 3 official photographers working the event this year, Brooke Dennis, Justin Hackworth and Moss & Isaac. Go take a look at the photos. They did an outstanding job. Plus, they’re really cool people and fun to hang out with! (The images on this post were shot by them at the conference.)

– Coming home with a stack of business cards. I met so many wonderful people! Old friends and new. At Alt Summit, I always wish there were 3 of me, so I could attend panels and have long conversations and handle attendee questions all at once. There are so many wonderful people to talk too!

– Most of all, it’s hugely satisfying to see the panels and programming I’ve been working on over the last year come to life.

Alt Summit is one of my happy places. Maybe I will see you there next year…

Yes! All 3 keynotes were actually recorded as video. I think the links will be available today. I’ll share them here when they are live. You can also subscribe to the Alt Summit Newsletter if you don’t want to miss the links.

I cannot imagine how awesome it would be to attend Alt Summit (but I think only like 3 people read my blog and one of them is my mom). It would be so inspiring to be surrounded by all of you creative people. And it looks like a fabulous time!

On the top of my list of goals for my new business is earning enough so that I can afford to come next year! Each year sounds more incredible and amazing than the last. I so wish I could have been there this year, but your description is definitely motivating :)!!

Demaris asked exactly what I wanted know. I’m over the top excited about the transcripts being on the Alt website. I’m also going to put Alt Summit on the top of my list for next year. The Huff Post sold me with “this new lifestyle community is no place for mean girls”!

This was my first year attending Alt and it was amazing. It far exceeded my expectations and I don’t think you could have done a better job. Thanks for all the hard work that went into planning the conference. Hoping to attend next year!

julia g blair

Such a special treat for me to attend this last “ALT.” Everything was CLASSY!
The attendees were friendly and helpful and eager to communicate.
Honored to be connected to all of you great “Alt” People.
Congratulations on a truly marvelous conference!